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Topic Review (Newest First)

04-27-2012 11:27 PM

ksgallyrit

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Thank you again, Ebs001 & CaptainForce for new information. I appreciated your new advices. I never know about that. I am still learning. I will check your link (Cruising to Abacos, Bahamas). You are the best sailors! May the sea force be with you!

04-27-2012 10:00 PM

CaptainForce

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQA

A few days! I have waited weeks in December for a half decent window!

TQA, So true! ...and I've made it across and them sat anchored in Great Sale for a week while the norther keeps screaming! I'll try to wait 'till Spring! Take care and joy, Aythya crew

04-27-2012 09:37 PM

TQA

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

I've also seen people wait for a few days for a "weather window" in Lake Worth while they could take one or two of those waiting days to position themselves south to Lake Sylvia or Key Biscayne to better ride the "Stream". Take care and joy, Aythya crew

A few days! I have waited weeks in December for a half decent window!

04-27-2012 07:11 PM

CaptainForce

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebs001

Many more miles for sure...a days trip to Ft. Lauderdale to save a couple of hours crossing time to West End and nothing to north of Memory Rock. If you are going to the Nassau or Bimini then it's worth heading south to south Biscayne Bay or Miami.

Sure, you're right! .....and most people are coming from the north as the OP for their trip across to the Bahamas, but not all. I've also seen people wait for a few days for a "weather window" in Lake Worth while they could take one or two of those waiting days to position themselves south to Lake Sylvia or Key Biscayne to better ride the "Stream". Take care and joy, Aythya crew

04-27-2012 06:49 PM

ebs001

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

ksgallyrit, check this out before you decide where your going to go in the Bahamas: Cruising to the Abacos, Bahamas
Most people motor across the stream or at a minimum motor sail. If you have a good weather window all you need is navigation skills. Once on the Banks you can practice your sailing skills in relative protection. Bahamas tend to be a winter destination so there are very few boats crossing to the Bahamas in May (most are returning). If you were crossing in November or December it is usually easy to get a buddy boat or two with whom to do the crossing. It is always a better way to go so it's worth asking on VHF 16 before you go.

04-26-2012 10:19 PM

ksgallyrit

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Thank you (CaptainForce & Ebs001) for your advices. What level should I be qualified in order to sail on my own (not hiring captain) to West End, Nassau or Bimini? I thought that West End is safe destination for me to begin and experience. When I arrive in West End, I will know that I can sail to Nassau and Bimini in order to develop more experiences. Is that right?

04-26-2012 09:55 PM

ebs001

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

'Interesting looking back at this old thread. I see all the thoughts in crossing suggestions and I continue to be amazed that people ignore the potential advantage of the 2.5kt average northerly current of the Gulfstream. You must take about a 120 degree course to make due east from Lake Worth to West End. Why not head up with the current from Lauderdale? .....more miles, but faster,- easier. ...Miami to Bimini... take advantage! Take care and joy, Aythya crew

Many more miles for sure...a days trip to Ft. Lauderdale to save a couple of hours crossing time to West End and nothing to north of Memory Rock. If you are going to the Nassau or Bimini then it's worth heading south to south Biscayne Bay or Miami.

04-26-2012 07:31 PM

CaptainForce

Re: First time sail to Bahamas

'Interesting looking back at this old thread. I see all the thoughts in crossing suggestions and I continue to be amazed that people ignore the potential advantage of the 2.5kt average northerly current of the Gulfstream. You must take about a 120 degree course to make due east from Lake Worth to West End. Why not head up with the current from Lauderdale? .....more miles, but faster,- easier. ...Miami to Bimini... take advantage! Take care and joy, Aythya crew

I think about renting Beneteau '40 sailboat for sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to Port Lucaya Marina, Grand Bahamas Island next year May 2013. It will be my first big step and I will build my confidence in my sailing skills.

Personally, I experienced in sailing on 24 ft. long J/24 sailboat since last year. Last Fall, we motored our rental sailboat across 3-5 ft. waves to Catalina Island overnight with my ASA instructor for my Bareboat & coastal cruising course 104. I am still rookie learning how to dock and undock a large sailboat 40 ft long. Also I will need to practice my sailing skills on that large sailboat this summer. I just completed ASA courses from 101 to 105. I will plan to take ASA Advanced Coastal Cruising course 106 this Fall.

Beside weather & wind issues, do you have any other advice for me about crossing Gulf Stream safely? Should I rent a life raft, EPIRB and plenty of water jugs for just in case of emergency althought it is about 60 nautical miles crossing? Is it wise choice for me to cross Gulf Stream overnight without hiring the experienced captain?

Thank you,
Troy

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